Final days for Territorians to help shape Territory Coordinator Bill

Consultation on the controversial bureaucrat who will be tasked with fast tracking economic development in the NT will close this week. Here’s what you need to know to have your say.

NT Labor Opposition Leader Selena Uibo and Deputy Opposition Leader Dheran Young are calling on the government to extend the consultation period on the Territory Coordinator Bill. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The Opposition is calling on the CLP to extend its consultation period for the Territory Coordinator Bill, arguing it has failed to answer basic questions and must do more to genuinely engage with the public on the controversial proposal.

Territorians have until Friday to have their say on a plan to establish the Territory Coordinator, a new senior public servant tasked with fast-tracking economic development in the NT.

A similar coordinator-general role exists in Queensland and Western Australia, and is currently under development for South Australia.

However critics are concerned the NT model goes further, including exemption powers to waive certain laws.

The Bill’s explanatory statement says exemption notices are only intended to be used in extenuating circumstances where there is duplication between different statutory processes, or where existing laws do not have “any reasonable application for regulating a complex or novel significant project”.

Exemption notices were not intended to be used for compliance and enforcement activities, nor bypassing regulations that were clearly linked to a project, and could not be used to waive any requirements under the federal Environment Protection Act.

Interim Territory Coordinator Stuart Knowles.

Territory Labor claimed fundamental questions about the Territory Coordinator’s powers remained unanswered, calling for the CLP to provide examples of what current projects might justify a step-in or exemption notice.

Labor said the CLP must also clarify what principles or strategies would guide the Territory Coordinator in prioritising projects.

“The Chief Minister must respect Territorians by addressing their genuine questions and real concerns,” Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said.

“Territory Labor wants to see a comprehensive consultation process with meaningful community engagement before this Bill is introduced to parliament.”

A series of community consultations on the Bill were held in December and January, overwhelmingly attended by those against the proposal, some of whom reported feeling unsatisfied by the information provided.

Attendees at an online forum this month were required to remain muted and had their questions vetted.

Ms Uibo said the sessions did not demonstrate genuine engagement with the public.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Territory Coordinator was about securing the NT’s future.

Ms Finocchiaro said the role’s remit included supporting sustainable economic growth, facilitating private sector investment, and streamlining approval processes to eliminate costly delays.

“Every Territorian has a stake in this – every job created, every dollar invested, and every project completed will strengthen our communities. I urge all Territorians to take this final opportunity to have their say,” she said.

To give feedback on the Bill visit cmc.nt.gov.au/advancing-industry/the-territory-coordinator

Originally published as Final days for Territorians to help shape Territory Coordinator Bill